A source told the publication: "Paddy and Freddie are real curveball signings which no one predicted and bosses are delighted with them.

"The BBC think having a British trio – two Lancashire lads and a car buff – is a good move."

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They added that both Paddy and Andrew are "car-mad" and that their partnership "should bring back the old days of Top Gear".

"The BBC’s top bosses and everyone else involved in the casting were bowled over by Paddy and Freddie – they are utterly infectious and will bring a new energy and competitive spirit to the show," the source said.

The news comes after ex-Friends actor Matt announced that he was quitting the show earlier this year.

He first joined the show alongside Chris Evans, Chris Harris and Rory back in 2016.